Bangladesh is on the frontline of the climate crisis. It suffers from ever increasing hazards like floods, droughts and cyclones with devastating impacts on food security, water availability, health and livelihoods. It is also home to some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, ranging from coastlines and inland rivers to the Sundarbans mangrove forest. Many of these are designated ‘’Ecologically Critical Areas’’, meaning their ecosystems have reached, or are close to reaching, a critical condition and require environmental protection. Their loss would have huge repercussions for the many communities who live and work within them, who depend on their rich biodiversity for their security and livelihoods.
A new project, led by CARE in partnership with a number of national and international organisations, will work alongside these communities to strengthen climate resilience in two Ecologically Critical Areas: the Sundarbans mangrove forest and Hakaluki Haor wetland system. The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world and home to many rare species, including tigers, dolphins and river terrapins, as well as diverse ecosystems. Hakaluki Haor is a complex wetland system that has been significantly impacted by various factors including climate change-induced flooding, deforestation for farming, and illegal encroachments for agricultural expansion.
Over a period of five years, The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office project aims to increase the climate resilience of more than 210,000 vulnerable households living within these areas, totalling around one million people. It will work with communities to strengthen climate and weather information services, invest in climate resilient infrastructure, and develop livelihood practices which have a net positive impact on the natural surroundings – meaning ecosystems are protected whilst livelihoods strengthened. As with all CARE projects, it will have a particular focus on women, girls and the most marginalised to ensure their voices are heard and their needs responded to.
A recent launch event for the project in Bangladesh was attended by more than 100 government officials, donor representatives and members of the media, reflecting a collective determination to confront the climate crisis and safeguard Bangladesh's environment for future generations.
Helen McEachern, CEO, CARE International UK said:
“This project comes at an urgent time for two of the most ecologically diverse and vulnerable areas on the planet, and the people that call them home. Working alongside these communities and our partnership organisations, we are looking forward to implementing sustainable solutions to help mitigate the impact of the climate crisis in Bangladesh, and support the future prosperity of these areas.”
One of CARE’s key strategic focus areas is around climate justice. Projects focused in this area seek to address the fundamental inequity that the poorest and most marginalised people have done the least to cause the climate crisis, yet they are the ones that suffer most from its effects. We work with communities, local and women’s rights organisations, and stakeholders worldwide, to integrate women’s voices and leadership into our climate justice work and build an inclusive, gender-just and climate-resilient future.
